STUART - Keep Martin Beautiful has launched a new program that aims to reduce the amount of cigarette butts that are littering the landscape of Martin County.

The organization is participating in the national Cigarette Litter Prevention Program, coordinated by Keep America Beautiful by conducting a pilot program at two targeted locations in the community known for large amounts of tobacco-related litter: Mary Brogan Park and Flagler Park, both in Stuart.

Ash receptacles have been installed at both parks to encourage residents to dispose of cigarette waste properly instead of simply flicking cigarette butts to the ground, where they remain until a caring citizen picks them up or an animal mistakes it for food and ingests it. KMB is also distributing pocket and portable auto ashtrays as part of the program.